Benue State government has flatly rejected claims by former House Speaker Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh that Governor Hyacinth Alia pushed to move Tor Tiv Palace from Gboko to Ihugh.
The allegations are completely false and baseless, the governor's spokesperson Tersoo Kula told reporters on Thursday. Dajoh made the remarks during his 50th birthday celebration in Gboko.
Kula dismissed the claims as mere speculation without any factual backing. He said the former Speaker offered no proof whatsoever to support his story.
"The claim that Governor Alia wrote asking him to relocate the palace is entirely false and imaginary," Kula stated firmly. He challenged Dajoh to produce any such correspondence if it truly existed.
According to the spokesman, no governor would secretly order such a move. Any official communication between the executive and legislature must follow proper channels and leave a paper trail.
Kula added that the House of Assembly has no constitutional power to relocate any traditional ruler's seat anyway. Such a decision would fall outside legislative authority, he noted.
The government also denied Dajoh's claim that over N200 million was spent trying to remove Chief Judge Maurice Ikpambese from office. Kula demanded the former Speaker show concrete evidence of this alleged spending.
"The people of Benue deserve facts, not fiction," Kula declared to journalists. "We need evidence, not emotions, and accountability, not political theatre."
On the Wurukum–Renewed Hope Estate road project, Kula explained the contract was legitimate government work. Federal authorities approved the reconstruction of the federal highway with a dual carriageway and five-span bridge across River Mu.
Governor Alia remains committed to transparent governance, the spokesman insisted. Kula suggested Dajoh should focus on examining why he lost his Speaker position instead.
Dajoh had previously claimed his removal as Speaker resulted from opposing the palace relocation plan. He said powerful people in the governor's circle warned him the move would cost him his job.
Sources close to Dajoh indicated he refused to back what he viewed as an improper proposal. His refusal, he believed, led to political pressure that eventually forced him out.
The state government stands by its denial of all allegations. Officials have challenged Dajoh repeatedly to bring forward verifiable proof of his serious accusations.
Political observers say this dispute reflects deeper tensions within Benue's power structures. The palace relocation claim, if true, would represent an extraordinary abuse of office.
Governor Alia's administration continues to maintain complete innocence regarding all matters raised by the former Speaker. Time will tell whether Dajoh produces the documentation he claims exists.
